MANCHESTER, N.H. — It will be a joyful and emotional welcome home for more than 90 soldiers from New Hampshire National Guard’s 197th Field Artillery Brigade, who have returned home after a year in the Middle East.
They arrived back in the U.S. last week at Fort Bliss, Texas, and are due to arrive in Manchester late Saturday afternoon.
UPDATE: Click here for a photo gallery of the homecoming by Jeffrey Hastings.
Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Greg Heilshorn told NHPR the homecoming will be a mix of pride and relief.
“There’s a great sense of accomplishment. There’s a great sense of being part of a bigger effort. There’s also that sense of relief that you’re finally back home with your family and friends. A year away from your family is a long time for anybody,” Heilshorn said.
They were deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.
There is a welcome home reception for the brigade scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Manchester Armory, located at 771 Canal St.
